Returning home is supposed to feel comforting — but for Trent Alexander-Arnold, his first visit back to Anfield as a Real Madrid player looks set to be anything but warm.
Ahead of the Champions League clash on Tuesday, emotions are already running high after vandals targeted a beloved mural of the former Liverpool star.
The Mural That Once Celebrated a Local Hero
For years, the corner of Sybil Road near Anfield displayed a mural of Alexander-Arnold wearing his iconic No. 66 Liverpool shirt — a proud tribute to the boy who made it big.
The image, created by French graffiti artist Akse and commissioned by The Anfield Wrap podcast, even featured his heartfelt 2019 quote:
“I’m just a normal lad from Liverpool, whose dream has just come true.”
The mural wasn’t just about football. It also carried a dedication to Fans Supporting Foodbanks, an initiative the defender passionately backed during his time at the club.
It was a symbol of community, pride, and shared dreams — until it was defaced once again.
Vandals Strike Again Before His Return
Just days before his long-awaited return to Anfield, photos began circulating online showing the mural covered in white paint.
Someone had also scrawled “Adios El Rata” — Spanish for “Goodbye Rat” — alongside several other messages calling him a “rat.”
This is sadly not the first time the artwork has been targeted.
The same mural was vandalised earlier this year, just before Alexander-Arnold’s final game for Liverpool, and had to be carefully restored.
Back in 2022, it was also smeared with blue paint ahead of the Merseyside derby with Everton, which sparked outrage among supporters.
Fans Still Hurt by His Departure
Alexander-Arnold’s summer move to Real Madrid caused a major stir among the Liverpool faithful.
Many fans were disappointed that the academy graduate — once hailed as the face of the club’s future — let his contract run down, which meant Liverpool missed out on a significant transfer fee.
Eventually, Real Madrid sealed his signing for around £10 million, adding him to their squad before the FIFA Club World Cup.
Now, as he prepares to step out at Anfield wearing white instead of red, all eyes are on how the home crowd will respond to their former hero.
Trent Speaks Out About His Feelings for Liverpool
When asked about what kind of reception he expects, Alexander-Arnold made it clear that his affection for Liverpool remains unchanged.
“Whatever way I’m received is up to the fans,” he told Amazon Prime.
“I’ll always love the club, always be a fan of the club.
I’ll always be thankful for the opportunities and the things we achieved together — they’ll live with me forever.”
He added that no matter what happens on Tuesday, his memories with Liverpool will never fade: “No matter how I’m received, that won’t change.”
Van Dijk’s Diplomatic Response
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was asked on Monday what kind of welcome he expects his former teammate to receive — but the Dutch defender sidestepped the question with class.
“Do you want it to be hostile?” he asked reporters. “I’m not going to comment on that.
He’s been outstanding during his time at Liverpool, and that’s the only thing I can say.”
Van Dijk also confirmed he hasn’t been in touch with Alexander-Arnold ahead of the match, making it clear that — for now — they’ll face each other strictly as opponents.
Paying Tribute to a Fallen Friend
Amid the football drama, Alexander-Arnold made a quiet, heartfelt gesture that reminded fans of his deep emotional ties to the club.
On Monday night, he laid flowers outside Anfield in memory of his late friend and former teammate Diogo Jota.
Jota, 28, and his younger brother André, 26, tragically died in July when their Lamborghini veered off the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla after a tyre blowout.
Attached to the flowers was a handwritten message from Trent:
“My mate Diogo. You are so missed but still so loved.
Yours and Andre’s memory will always live on. I smile every time I think about you and will always remember the great times we shared.
Miss you mate, every day. Love Trent and family. Forever 20. YNWA.”
A red PlayStation controller — a nod to Jota’s well-known love of gaming — was also left at the site, signed: “Forever a champion 20. TAA.”
Respect From Both Sides
In a touching show of respect, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, young defender Dean Huijsen, and club legend Emilio Butragueño also stopped by to pay tribute.
It was a poignant moment that underscored that football, at its heart, is still about humanity and shared loss — no matter what shirt you wear.
What Awaits at Anfield
As Tuesday night approaches, tension is thick in the air.
Will the Anfield crowd welcome their hometown hero with forgiveness, or will resentment dominate the stands?
Whatever happens, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return is shaping up to be one of the most emotionally charged nights Liverpool has seen in years — a homecoming wrapped in loyalty, heartbreak, and remembrance.